From the policy-rich panel discussions to the chance to meet informally with lawmakers and policy leaders during the evening reception, the annual AWB Legislative Day and Hill Climb (LDHC) is a valuable experience for employers who want to connect with the legislative process and share their ideas on policy solutions that create economic prosperity across the state.

A popular part of the event is the Hill Climb, which provides bus transportation to and from the Capitol and a prearranged schedule for attendees to visit directly with their members of the House and Senate.

The 2018 Legislative Day and Hill Climb will be held Tuesday, Jan. 16, at the Hotel RL in Olympia.

The election this month of Democrat Manka Dhingra to represent the people of the 45th legislative district changes the landscape of the Washington state Senate, resulting in a return to one-party rule in Olympia.

However, it does not have to change the bipartisan way in which the Legislature has operated since a group of Democrats joined with Republicans in 2013 to govern by consensus, ushering in unprecedented achievements.

For the past five years, the bipartisan Majority Coalition Caucus controlled the Senate, while Democrats controlled the House of Representatives and governor's mansion. For measures to pass, members of both chambers had to debate, negotiate and compromise.

This process resulted in the passage of historic legislation, such as the first-ever college-tuition reduction, a $16 billion transportation package and a plan to fully fund basic education with equitable levy reform...